Daily Archives: June 19, 2026

Motsumi hand over a new school

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Picture: Residents of Setlhwatlhwe get new school/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 June 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has official handed over a fully furnished, state-of-the-art Kgosi Shope Secondary School to the community of Setlhwatlhwe village on 17 June 2026. Motsumi said the handover ceremony coincided with the commemoration of the Soweto Uprising, honouring the sacrifices made by the youth of 16 June 1976 in the struggle for equal and quality education.

She further said as the nation reflects on this important chapter in South Africa’s history, learners at Kgosi Shope Secondary School benefitted a modern educational facility designed to provide a conducive environment for learning and teaching. Motsumi added that new school is expected to improve academic performance, enhance access to quality education and restore the dignity of learners in rural communities by providing infrastructure that meets modern educational standards.

“The department is hard at work eradicating unsafe and inappropriate schools. As part of the department’s ongoing program to eradicate unsafe and inappropriate school infrastructure.

“We delivered a school with 12 new classrooms, administration block, science laboratory, library, ablution facilities, water, electricity and perimeter fencing], replacing dilapidated structures that previously compromised the safety and dignity of learners and educators,” she said.

Motsumi further said through this project, they are restoring the dignity of both learners and educators of Setlhwatlhwe village. She added that no child should learn under fear of collapsing walls or leaking roofs.

“Kgosi Shope Secondary School now stands as proof that the Department keeps its promises. Infrastructure is the foundation for quality teaching and learning and we will not rest until every learner in the North West has access to safe, modern schools.

“We further urge learners to take ownership of the new facilities and use them to improve academic performance,” said Mocumi.

She said these classrooms open the doors of learning. Motsumi said they must walk through it.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. Study hard, respect the infrastructure and see this as your first step toward bursaries, TVET colleges, universities and green economy careers.

“The future needs skilled young people who will be able to manage the province. As the department, we remain committed to accelerating infrastructure delivery and strengthening career guidance so that learners in rural areas like Setlhwatlhwe have equal access to opportunity, skills development and the green economy,” she said.

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Commencement of emergency rehabilitation on P53/1 road

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua visiting the damaged bridge/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

19 June 2026- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has welcomed the commencement of emergency rehabilitation works on Road P53/1 between Pilanesberg International Airport and Mogwase following a site inspection conducted on 17 June 2026. Mokua visited the construction site to assess progress after the department appointed a contractor to undertake emergency repairs necessitated by the collapse of a culvert, which resulted in the closure of the route.

He further said the visit confirmed that construction activities are now underway, marking a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to restore one of the region’s key transport and tourism routes. Mokua added that work is currently underway, including the excavation and preparation of the affected section, the separation of the roadway into construction zones to facilitate safe access for the repair works and the preparation of the surface for the installation of the load-bearing slab.

“These activities form part of the initial phase of the emergency intervention and will pave the way for the reconstruction of the damaged layer works and the restoration of the road.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience and economic impact caused by the road closure, particularly on communities, businesses and the tourism industry in the area,” she said.

Mokua said they understand the frustrations experienced by road users and local communities who have had to travel longer distances and incur additional transport costs since the closure of this road. She said, however, the safety of motorists remains their primary consideration.

“We cannot compromise public safety by reopening a road whose structural integrity has been compromised.

“We further welcome the cooperation from stakeholders and communities, noting that collective efforts would be critical to ensuring the successful completion of the project,” said Mokua.

She said this project is important not only for the communities it serves, but also for the local economy and tourism sector. Mokua said she is encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders and the progress already visible on site.

“We remain confident that the project team will deliver on its mandate and restore this important route as quickly and safely as possible.

“The department remains confident that, subject to site conditions, the repairs can be completed within the anticipated four to six weeks, after which the road will be reopened once engineers have certified it safe for public use,” she said.

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